Discover the charm of Zaanse Schans from the water with Dutch Boat Tours. Enjoy scenic views, gourmet Dutch cuisine, and a private boat experience that’s perfect for making lasting memories.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking and standing needed, no strenuous activity required.
Wildlife
History
Zaanse Schans was established in 1961 as a way to preserve the traditional Dutch windmill and crafts heritage.
Conservation
The area actively promotes sustainable tourism, with initiatives to minimize environmental footprints and preserve historic structures.
Dutch Boat Tours
Discover the charm of Zaanse Schans from the water with Dutch Boat Tours. Enjoy scenic views, gourmet Dutch cuisine, and a private boat experience that’s perfect for making lasting memories.
Dutch Boat Tours operates from Zaandam in Noord‑Holland and offers a variety of private and public cruises through the Zaan area and past the Zaanse Schans windmills.
The fleet includes a unique 40-passenger open boat — the only one in the area — plus luxury open and partially covered boats. Trips are guided by a skipper and range from a 25-minute public cruise to private departures that last from 1 to 2.5 hours. Options include private cruises on open or partially covered boats, a pizza cruise, lunch and dinner cruises with buffet options, and a cheese & wine evening cruise.
Several cruises advertise high-quality buffets or unlimited drinks, while some private options allow guests to bring their own snacks and drinks. The public cruise highlights passing ten UNESCO windmills and Zaanse houses, with local commentary about regional history such as chocolate production and whaling heritage. Private offerings suit groups, events, and customizable experiences for up to 40 passengers on the exclusive open boat.
Trip descriptions specify duration, onboard dining style, and whether drinks are included, helping guests choose the best fit. Dutch Boat Tours focuses on providing scenic, on-water experiences around Zaandam and Wormerveer, combining views of historic windmills with dining and tasting options across several curated cruise types.
Max Capacity
40 pax
Exclusive 40-passenger open boat
Trip Lengths
25 min–2.5 hrs
Public and private durations available
Operating Area
Zaandam, Noord‑Holland
Cruises past Zaanse Schans windmills
Experiences
9 cruise types
Private & public dining cruises
Choose the exclusive 40-passenger open boat or a private pizza, cheese & wine, lunch or dinner cruise — view schedules and book your preferred departure.
Arrive Early for the Best Views
Getting on board earlier in the day offers calmer waters and better lighting for photos.
Dress for the Weather
Wear layered clothing, especially waterproof gear, as the deck can be exposed to the elements.
Book in Advance
This exclusive cruise fills quickly, so reserve your spot early to secure your preferred date.
Sample Local Wines and Cheeses
Take advantage of their pairing options to enjoy authentic Dutch flavors onboard.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered, waterproof clothing recommended to stay comfortable regardless of the weather.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning views of windmills and the scenic surroundings.
Sunscreen and Hat
Protect yourself from sun exposure during daytime cruises.
summer
Wine Glass or Tumbler
Enjoy local wines and drinks with ease on the boat.